Batteries not holding charge

[Paula.roberts2015]

We bought 4 new 12V batteries for our 2008 Jayco Jayflight trailer and even after 2 days of running 3000w generator, they don't hold much of a charge. Could it be all the batteries are faulty or the inverter?

[TWP723]

You bought DC batteries, correct?

[Paula.roberts2015]

Hi, yes we did, got them from Costco. The RV batteries

[Route 66 Traveler]

Originally Posted by Paula.roberts2015

We bought 4 new 12V batteries for our 2008 Jayco Jayflight trailer and even after 2 days of running 3000w generator, they don't hold much of a charge. Could it be all the batteries are faulty or the inverter?

It's the Converter that charges the batteries when connected to shore power or generator. When connected to a 120vac source the voltage at the batteries should be in the 13.6-14 volts DC range...have you measured the voltage at the batteries? If you have a battery disconnect it must be turned on for the batteries to receive a charge.

Just curious...why did you buy 4 12 volt batteries...plan on doing a lot of Boondocking?? Using solar??

[Route 66 Traveler]

Any update on your problem??

[Vfoote3]

So turning off the battery disconnect will allow the solar panel to charge the batteries? How many watts of solar power is ample for trickling? I’m trying to understand why our batteries die while in storage. Have one factory installed panel and have left cut off switch on and off, no luck.

[curver900]

Originally Posted by Vfoote3

So turning off the battery disconnect will allow the solar panel to charge the batteries? How many watts of solar power is ample for trickling? I’m trying to understand why our batteries die while in storage. Have one factory installed panel and have left cut off switch on and off, no luck.

how old are the batteries ? if you have two hooked together and one is bad they will both become drained. You would need to disconnect them and at least check the standing voltage of both. They should be the same after sitting for 4-5 days. just because you bought new batteries doesn't mean one of them isn't bad from the manufacturer... yes it does happen.. i always check the standing voltage when i buy them then put them both on the charger and charge them both up then connect them if all the voltage stays the same for both.

If you have a disconnect and it is functioning properly the batteries should not drain unless the above condition exists.

Depending on how the cutoff switch is wired you may disconnect the charging piece of the ckt as well. You would need to get a volt meter and see if you are getting any charging from your solar.

[Vfoote3]

Hi: Appreciate all the information. Only want solar to keep batteries charged whenever TH is in storage (outdoor storage). Going to have an RV shop look at the electrical setup. I learned a lot from the various posts but not inclined to touch electronics components. Afraid I fry something.